Local lad raises funds for charity

Laura Andrew

Jack Lonsdale from Churwell will be visiting as many football grounds as he can to raise money for Sunshine and Smiles.

Jack Lonsdale, aged ten from Churwell Primary school is raising money for the charity Sunshine and Smiles.
And organisation which helps children with down syndrome.
Jack is planning on visiting every football ground in Yorkshire within a five hour time frame on April 6.
Jack said: “I am hoping to raise £100 for the charity Sunshine and Smiles based in Leeds who help children with Down Syndrome with things such as speech and language therapy as well as activities for their families.”
He was inspired to raise the money as he has a friend named Lucy who often uses the services that Sunshine and Smiles provide.
Jack will start his football ground challenge at Elland Road but he will visit twelve football grounds during his task.
He will also be vlogging the experience and uploading the footage to his YouTube channel which is: https://bit.ly/2q32NfJ.
On which Jack regularly uploads videos of himself with friends and at football events.
Jack said: “If you are able to sponsor me please do so no matter how little as every bit helps, if not thank you for reading my story.”
You can donate to Jack here: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/jacklonny-footballgroundchallenge/
His parents we’re surprised when Jack decided he wanted to raise this money, but incredibly proud.
His father Simon Lonsdale said: “Both his mum and I are extremely proud of Jack for thinking of others at such a young age and doing what he can to help his chosen charity, the idea is solely Jack’s and one he came up with on his own.”
Sunshine and Smiles is a Leeds based charity who provide support for children and young people in and around the city. The charity is led by parents and four trustees, who provide services such as speech and language therapy, support for families and group sessions.
They also work to remove the negative perceptions held by some members of society. Sunshine and Smiles help to raise awareness as well as creating a support network for children with down syndrome and their families.
The group runs on volunteers and donations, if you would like to contribute you can visit their website here: http://www.sunshineandsmiles.org.uk/.